The Lanzarote and La Graciosa Chamber of Commerce hosted the debate forum ‘The Strengths of Plural Spain’, a key initiative promoted by the Chamber of Commerce of Spain and developed through its network of 83 territorial Chambers in the 17 autonomous communities and in Ceuta and Melilla.
During the opening of the session, the president of the Chamber of Commerce of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, José Valle Martínez, highlighted the importance of this event: "I want to highly value this initiative by the Chamber of Spain, which allows us to debate our strengths from a plural perspective."
"Today we have brought together very diverse actors from society, which enriches the dialogue and helps us build a shared vision of the role that Lanzarote and La Graciosa contribute to the country as a whole," he added.
This debate with leading figures from local civil society is the first milestone of the project. It discussed the assets and values that the geographical area of Lanzarote and La Graciosa contributes to the formation of Spain's identity, always from a constructive perspective. These assets and values aim to strengthen Spain, its economic and social progress, and improve its country brand image at a European and global level.
The session was attended by Mario Ferrer Peñate (Historian and journalist), Alfredo Díaz (César Manrique Foundation), Fermín Otamendi (El Grifo Wineries), Cristóbal Sánchez (DO Unique Events), Inés Ramos (Lanzarote Gymnastics Club), Carlos Armas (Chacón Group), Juan Cruz Sepúlveda (Mercedes Medina Association), Elías Casañas (Industrial Engineer, Founder of INCANAE), José Torres Fuentes (Alegra Travels), Héctor Fernández (CEO of the Lanzarote External Promotion Society) and, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, its president, the director, and the secretary.
Participants have delved into the contributions of Lanzarote and La Graciosa in crucial areas such as history, culture, natural heritage, lifestyle, sport, institutions, economic system and business, education and values, infrastructure and mobility, and innovation, science and technology.
The conclusions obtained from this debate will be integrated into a synthesis document that will be contrasted with the results of other debate groups in the rest of the Chambers of Commerce, laying the groundwork for the construction of a national narrative.